Base anchor for sectional metal door frames



Aug. 30, 1966 D. KING 3,

BASE ANCHOR FOR SECTIONAL METAL DOOR FRAMES Filed April 15, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEXE.

Aug. 30, 1966 D. 1.. KING 3,269,068

BASE ANCHOR FOR SECTIONAL METAL DOOR FRAMES Filed April 15, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 M W; mmmgm Aug 3G, 19% D. L. KING BASE ANCHOR FOR SECTIONAL METAL DOOR FRAMES Filed April 15, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 Aug. 30, 1966 D. 1.. KING BASE ANCHOR FOR SECTIONAL METAL DOOR FRAMES Filed April 15, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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Aug. 30, 1966 D. L. KING 3,269,068

BASE ANCHOR FOR SECTIONAL METAL DOOR FRAMES Filed April 15, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

' BY 52 47 3 a Z A T TOQNEYS United States Patent 3,269,068 BASE ANCHOR FUR ECTl0NAL METAL DOQR FRAMES Donald L. King, Loveland, @hio, assignor to The Steelcraft Manufacturing Company, Rossmoyne, Ohio, a

corporation of Qhio Filed Apr. 115, 1964, Ser. No. 359,951 3 (llairns. (Ci. 52-217) This invention relates generally to door frames, particularly those of sectional construction which are formed of sheet metal and adapted to be installed in a wall structure, either before or after the wall is erected. Door frames for which the present base anchor is intended, are erected within the internal partition walls or within the external wall of the building, the walls being either :of the stud type of construction, utilizing dry wall panels or plaster construction, or in walls of masonry 'construc tion.

In general, the sectional door frame structure to which the invention is particularly addressed, comprises a header which forms the horizontal top member of the door frame, and a pair of vertical jambs, one of which comprises a hinge jamb, the other comprising a strike jamb. The door is adapted to be hingedly connected to the hinge jamg with its swinging edge portion interfitting the strike am One of the primary objectives of the invention has been to provide a base anchor of simple construction adapted to secure the lower end portions of the jambs permanently in erected position in a rapid convenient manner without requiring any cutting or fitting in the field, thereby to simplify the erection procedure.

Generally speaking, the base anchor is intended for use with sectional metal door frames in which the opposite end portions of the header and the upper end portions of the jambs are provided with connecting means adapted to permanently interconnect the upper ends of the jambs to the opposite ends of the header. A structure of this type is disclosed in the "copending application of Harold L. Woodrum entitled, Mounting Mechanism for Sectional Metal Door Frames, Serial No. 300,732, now Patent 3,222,833, which was filed on August 8, 1963.

In general, the latching mechanism of the copending application comprises coacting latching elements mounted in the mitered ends of the jambs and header and arranged to provide a snap-on connection with one another to permanently connect the jambs in right angular position with respect to the header. The mating ends of the hea er and jamb further include pivotal means adapting the jambs to be swung from a canted position thereby to provide a leverage action for establishing the snap engagement of the latching elements.

A further objective of the invention has been to provide a base anchor construction which takes advantage of the latching mechanism to permit the sectional door frame to be installed in a partition of the dry wall type or one of plaster construction after erection of the Wall and in which the header and jambs embrace the wall surfaces about the marginal port-ion of door opening to provide a neat trim appearance.

When the sectional door frame is to be installed in a dry wall partition, which comprises vertical studs and wall panels, the base anchors are located accurately in position before the wall is erected. The studs and wall panels (dry wall construction) are then installed to complete the wall, leaving an opening for the reception of the sectional door frame. The sectional door frame is then assembled within the opening so as to overlie the marginal portions of the opening across the Sides and top. After having been snapped into position, the lower portions of the jambs are attached to the base anchors of this invention 3,269,068 Patented August 30, 1966 by means of screws, thus completing the installation of the frame.

The same procedure is followed in the construction of plastered walls in which plaster is used in place of the dry wall panels.

"On the other hand, when the sheet metal frame is to be installed within a masonry wall, the base anchors are first installed, then the door frame is assembled and anchored in place to the base anchors, after which the masonry wall is constructed around a frame in the conventional way. In the masonry construction, the metal frame is not necessarily of sectional construction since it is not assembled after the opening is formed, as is the case in the dry wall or plaster construction.

Described generally, each base anchor is generally in the form of a right angular bracket adjustably connected to a runner strip which is permanently attached to the floor of the building before erection of the walls, a similar runner strip being attached to the ceiling. The arrangement is such that the runner strips provide means for securing the studs and also delineate the location of the wall. The runner strips are embedded in and concealed by the wall after erection.

At the approximate point where the door frame is to be installed, the floor runner strip is interrupted to provide an opening slightly greater than the width of the door frame which is to be installed. After installation of the runner strip, the base anchors are slidably mounted upon the end portions of the runner strip on opposite sides of its opening. Each base anchor includes a horizontal flange which slidably engages the upper portion of the floor runner strip and which includes a clamping nut engaged by screws, which are tightened to clamp the base anchor rigidly to the runner strip. Each base anchor further includes a vertical flange which interfits the interior configuration of the jambs and which is attached subsequently by screws to the lower end portion of each jamb.

In installing the door frame for a partition (plaster or dry wall) the base anchors are first slidably mounted upon the ends of the runner strip at opposite sides of the opening, then measurements are taken across the vertical flanges in accordance with the size and location of the door frame to be installed. Thereafter, the clamping screws of the horizontal flange are tightened to clamp the base anchors securely in place.

The wall studs, which are fabricated of sheet metal, are preferably erected between the runner strips, before the base anchors are located and clamped in adjusted position. In installing the door frame, the generally channel-shaped header preferably is placed across the top of the door opening with its limbs embracing the opposite surfaces of the wall about the margin of the opening, then the jambs are installed and attached to the base anchors, the vertical flanges of which are concealed by the jambs.

The various features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the first step of installing a door frame in a stud-type wall, utilizing the base anchors of the present invention, with the right hand jambs pivotally connected to the header in the canted position.

FIGURE 2 is a view generally similar to FIGURE 1, showing the right hand jamb pivoted to its vertical position and attached to the base anchor.

FIGURE 3 is a view generally similar to FIGURE 2 showing the left hand jamb pivotally connected to the end of the horizontal header, ready to be pivoted to its vertical position for attachment of its lower end to the base anchor.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3, showing the left hand jamb mounted in the door opening and connected to its base anchor to complete the installation.

FIGURE is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a :portion of the horizontal header and vertical jamb before being interconnected, and particularly illustrating the latch elements which provide the snap connection between the horizontal header and vertical jamb, as disclosed in the aforesaid patent application Serial No. 300,732 now Patent No. 3,222,833.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5, showing the header mounted in place in the door opening with one of the jambs pivotally connected to the end portion of the header ready to be pivoted from the position shown in FIGURE 3 to the locking position of FIGURE 4, whereby the lower end of the jamb may be attached to the base anchor.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 6, showing the relationship of the parts after the jamb has been pivoted to its upright locking position, adapting its lower end to be secured to the base anchor of the present invention.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary View showing the lower end portion of the door jamb and illustrating, in a general way, the base anchor to which the lower end portion of the jamb is attached to the base anchor.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIGURE 8, further illustrating a construction of the base anchor and floor runner strip.

FIGURE is a fragmentary sec-tional top plan view taken along the line 101tl of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 1111 of FIGURE 10, further detailing the construction of the base anchor of the present invention and its relationship to the lower end portion of one of the door jambs.

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary perspective view, showing the floor runner strip secured in place upon the floor of the building and showing the mode of inserting the base anchor upon the runner strip.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the base anchor secured in place upon the runner strip, with the lower end portion of the jamb located in position to be secured to the base anchor.

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIGURE 13, showing the base anchor clamped in its adjusted position and illustrating the attachment screws which anchor the lower portion of the jamb to the base anchor.

Door frame structure generally As noted above, the base anchors of the present invention are intended to facilitate the installation of the sectional sheet metal door frame in walls of the stud-type construction (FIGURES l-4), having either dry wall panels mounted upon opposite sides of the studs or having lath and plaster wall surfaces. In the stud-type construction, the walls are first completely erected, leaving a door opening, then the sectional door frame is snapped in place within the opening. The wall shown in FIG- URES 1-4 may represent either an internal partition or an external wall.

As previously noted, the base anchors are also intended to be utilized in walls of masonry construction (not shown); however, in masonry construction the door frame is erected and attached to the base anchors before the masonry wall is laid up, such that the masonry work is built up around the door frame.

The base anchors are illustrated in the drawings (FIG- URES 1-4) in their application to an internal partition of the stud-type (dry wall or plaster) to best illustrate the principles of the invention. As shown in FIGURE 1, the partition structure comprises a floor runner strip 1 formed of sheet metal which is permanently attached to 4.- the floor by nails or studs 2 (FIGURE 12.) A similar runner strip 3 is attached in the same manner to the ceiling.

The upper and lower ends of the studs 4, which are also formed of sheet metal, are anchored to the floor and ceiling runner strips 3 and 4- to delineate the wall. The studs 4 a-re generally U-shaped in cross section, as disclosed in aforesaid Patent 3,222,833. Since the studs do not form a part of the present invention, a detailed disclosure has been omitted.

The top of the door opening 5 is delineated by a horizontal framing member 6 having its opposite ends joined to the studs 4-4. In order to provide the opening 5 for the sectional door frame, indicated generally at 7 (FIG- URE 4), the floor runner strip 1 is interrupted to provide an opening 8 (FIGURE 1) at the point where the door frame is to be installed.

As shown generally in FIGURES 1-4, the sectional door frame 7 for which the base anchors are intended, comprises a header 10 formed of sheet metal and being generally of channel-shaped configuration in cross section. The header 10 embraces the opposite sides of the wall surfaces across the top of the door opening 5 (FIGURE 1). The vertical jambs 11 and 12 of the door frame 7 are also channel-shaped in cross section, corresponding with the configuration of the header 10.

In the present disclosure, the sheet metal header 1t) and the jambs 11 and 12 are of the single rabbet type including a door stop 13 (FIGURES 5 and 6) delineating the rabbet 14. The door (not shown) is hinged to interfit the rabbet. The channel-shaped header and jambs include opposed limbs 1515 projecting outwardly and the free end of each limb includes an inturned flange 16, the flanges embracing the wall surfaces upon installation of the door frame, as explained earlier.

As described in detail later, the base anchors, indicated generally at 17 (FIGURES 1-4 and 12-14), are slidably applied to the floor runner strip 1 preferably with the studs in place but before the wall panels 1818 are installed on the studs. The base anchors 17 are then adjusted to the desired position and clamped in place on the runner strip at opposite sides of the opening 8 which is delineated by the interruption in the floor runner strip 1. After the wall panels .18 are applied, a portion of the base anchors 17-17 project from the wall structure in an exposed position to provide attachment for the lower end portions of the jambs. The arrangement is such that the jambs cover the base anchors after they are installed.

It is to be understood at this point that in the erection of a masonry wall (not shown), the floor runner strip 1 and ceiling runner strip 3 are utilized in the same manner to anchor the masonry wall. In this instance, the base anchors 17-17 are attached to the end portions of the runner strips and the door frame is then mounted in place so that the door frame is embedded in the masonry wall.

As noted earlier, the upper ends of the jambs 11 and 12 are pivotally connected to the opposite ends of the header utilizing the hinge and latching mechanism of Patent No. 3,222,833. This structure is indicated generally at 20 in FIGURES 5 and 6. In order to interfit the mating ends of the header 10 and the vertical jambs :11 and 12, the ends of the jambs are mitered as at 21 and the ends of the header are similarly mitered as at 22-22 (FIGURES 5 and 6). During pivotal motion, the mitered ends 21 of the jambs are held in alignment with the mitered ends 22 of the header by the hinge and latching mechanism of the copending application.

In order to provide the pivotal connection between the header 10 and the jambs 11 and 12 (FIGURES 5 and 6), the upper edge of each jamb is provided with an upwardly projecting hinge tongue 23, which interfits an opening 24 formed in the opposite end portions of the header 10. Thus, in installing the door frame 7, one of the jambs, for example the right hand jamb 11 (FIGURE 1), is

placed in position with its tongue 23 inserted through the opening 24, with the jamb in the canted position illustrated. After thus being connected, the jamb is pivoted to its vertical position (FIGURE 2) then anchored in place to its base anchor 17 by means of screws, as explained later.

In a similar manner, the left hand jamb 12 (FIG- URE 3) is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the header by means of its tongue 23, then is swung to the vertical position and anchored to the companion base anchor 17. For purposes of illustration, the right hand jamb 11 may represent the hinge jamb, that is, the jamb to which the door (not shown) is hinged, While the jamb 12 may represent the strike jamb, that is, the jamb which receives the swinging edge portion of the door.

As each jamb is pivoted from the canted toward the vertical position during erection, as indicated by the arrows (FIGURES 1 and 3) the mitered ends 21 and 22 of the header and jambs are brought into mating relationship. When this occurs, with the jamb in vertical position, the coacting latch elements of the latch mechanism snap into engagement so as to secure the header and jambs together.

Described generally (FIGURES 5 and 6), the latch mechanism comprises a latch plate or stamping 25 mounted in the upper end of each jamb and secured by spot welding as at 26. The latch plates 25 coact with a pair of keeper plates or stampings 27 which are also secured by spot welding, as at 28 to the opposite end portions of the header 10.

Each latch plate 20 includes a corner portion 30 which projects outwardly beyond the mitered end 21 of the jamb at opposite sides. These corner portions 30 act as pilots or guides to align the latch plates 25 (and jamb) with the keeper plates 27 of the header 10, as the jamb is pivoted to its final upright position to be secured to its base anchor 17.

A latching detent 31 forms a part of each corner portion 30 of the latch plate 25 (FIGURES 5 and 6), each detent 31 having a camming section 32. In order to provide the latching action, each keeper plate 27 includes a yieldable keeper arm 33 which is spaced from the inner surface of limb 15 of the header 10 at opposite sides. The upper portion of the keeper arm 33 includes an open slot 34 adapted to receive the latching detent 31 and to provide a snap-on connection therewith.

In connecting the header to the jamb (after the tongue 23 enters the opening 24--FIGURE 6), the corner portions 30 of the latch plates 25 first enter the space which is formed between the keeper arm 33 and surface of the limb 15, thereby to provide the pilot action between the header and jamb. As the pivotal motion continues, the inclined camming section 32 of the latching detents 31 engage the free end portion of the keeper arm 33 to spring the arms inwardly. This camming action continues until the latching detents 31 snap into engagement with the slots 34 of the keeper arms, at which point the keeper arms 35 spring back to their normal position within the slots 34 to provide the latching engagement.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the base anchors of the present invention coact with the hinge and latching mechanism of the aforesaid Patent No. 3,222,833 in facilitating the installation of the sectional door frame 7.

Base anchor structure The floor runner strip 1, to which the base anchors 17-17 (FIGURES 9-11) are adjustably secured, is formed of sheet metal having a width dimension to interfit the inturned flanges 16 of the jambs. The runner strip has a central section or corrugation 36 including a bottom plate 37 which rests upon the floor and is secured thereto by nails 2 (FIGURE 12). Corrugation 36 includes inwardly converging side Walls 3338. Thus the 6 bottom plate 37 and the converging side walls 38 delineate a slideway or dovetail section 40 (FIGURE 9) arranged to receive and slidably confine the elongated nut 41 which clamps the base anchor '17 in its adjusted position.

The side walls diverge outwardly as at 42-42 above the slideway 40 then extend vertically as at 43 to form a seat for the base anchor, as explained later. -It will be noted that the sheet metal is doubled upon itself as at 44 (FIGURE 9) to impart additional stiffness to the central section 36.

From the doubled portion 44, the sheet metal projects outwardly on opposite sides to provide horizontal flanges 4545 which are spaced above the floor. The outer edges of the flanges 45 include upturned limbs 46 which interfiit the inturned flanges 16 of the jamb (FIGURE 10). In order to impart additional stiffness, the horizontal flanges include longitudinal ribs 4747 which are formed by doubling an intermediate portion of each flange 45 upon itself.

As noted earlier, the floor runner strip 1, and also the ceiling strip 3, are installed before erection of the wall (masonry or stud construction), a space being left in the runner strip at the approximate position in which the door frame 7 is to be located. As best shown in FIGURES 8 and 10, the floor runner strip, at opposite sides of the door frame, terminate short of the jambs 11 and 12 leaving the spaces 48 at opposite sides which permit adjustment of the base anchors and jambs to locate the base door frame 7 accurately in position.

Each base anchor 17 comprises a bracket formed of sheet metal, generally right angular as viewed from the side (FIGURE 8). The base anchor comprises a mounting plate 50 (FIGURES 8-10) which is slidably mounted upon the upper edge of the dovetail slideway 40 and clamped in place by the nut, previously indicated at 41 when adjusted to final position. The mounting plate 50 includes vertical flanges 51 and 52 extending upwardly from its outer edges for attachment to the lower end portion of the jambs 11 and 12. In the form disclosed, the mounting plate 50 (FIGURE 10) is configurated to interfit the door stop 13 and the rabbet 14, such that the vertical flanges 51 and 52 seat against these surfaces.

In order to impart additional stiflness to the vertical flanges, each flange includes vertical channel-shaped corrugations 53-53. The lower end portions of each jamb 11 and 12 are attached to the flanges by means of self-threading, flat head screws 54-54 passing through the jamb and into threaded engagement with the vertical corrugations 53 of the flanges 51 and 52. In order to improve the connection between the jamb and the flanges 51 and 52, the holes for the screws 54 are dimpled as at 55 to interfit the vertical corrugation 53 and to provide a seat for the flat head screws 54.

In order to provide adjustment of the base anchors, the mounting plate 50 of each bracket includes a clamping portion 56 (FIGURES 9 and 10) of generally channelshaped cross section and including side flanges 5757 which overhang the upper edges of the vertical walls 43- 43 of dovetail section 49. By virtue of this arrangement, the base anchors are guided longitudinally during adjustment.

In order to impart additional stiffness to the base anchor, the mounting plate 50 includes arcuate corrugations 5858 which extend from the main position 50 of the plate across and into the relatively narrow clamping portion 56.

The nut 41 (FIGURES 11-14) of each base anchor is in the form of a rectangular plate having a width dimension adapting it to slidably interfit the dovetail slideway 411 (FIGURE 9). The nut 41 is connected to the clamping portion 56 of the base anchor by a pair of machine screws 6060. The machine screws 60 include round heads 61 which reside at the top of the clamping portion 56 for screwdriver engagement. When the screws 60 are tightened, they clamp the base anchor 17 firmly in its each anchor is slipped longitudinally in place upon the end portion of the runner strip 1, with the nut 4-1 loosely connected to the base anchor by the machine screws 60. As noted earlier, the nut 41 loosely interfits the dovetail slideway 40, while the clamping portion 56 is adapted to seat loosely upon the upper edge of the runner strip. After both base anchors are thus placed loosely in position, they are accurately located by taking a measurement across the vertical flanges 51-51 or S2-52.

In the case of the masonry Wall, the location of the base anchors depend upon the width of the door opening to be installed and upon the desired location. In the case of the stud type wall, the same procedure is followed as to the width of the door frame 7, the base anchors being located with reference to the vertical studs which delineate the door opening. In either event, the upper ends of the jambs are hingedly connected to the opposite ends of the header, then the jambs are pivoted outwardly to provide the latching engagement with the ends of the header. The lower ends of the jambs are then attached to the base anchors by applying the screws 5454. Further adjustment, if necessary, can be carried out by slightly loosening the clamping screws 60 and by tapping the lower portion of the jamb with a hammer or other tool to shift one or both of the base anchors slightly in the desired direction. thus completing the installation of the door frame. The wall is then fitted about the door frame 7 then the door (not shown) is installed within the frame.

Having described my invention I claim:

1. A base anchor structure securing the lower end portions of the vertical jambs of a sectional door frame relative to the floor of a building to delineate a door opening in a wall structure, said door frame being of sectional construction and having a horizontal header, a pair of vertical jambs, and coacting elements interconnecting the opposite ends of the header to the upper ends of the jambs, said base anchor structure comprising:

a runner strip secured to the floor of the building and delineating the wall to be erected, said runner strip being interrupted to provide a door opening corresponding generally to the location of the sectional door frame;

said runner strip being formed of sheet metal to provide a longitudinal corrugation having a bottom plate and having side walls which converge upwardly toward one another to provide a dovetail slideway extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

said runner strip including vertical walls projecting upwardly above said dovetail section and extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

a pair of base anchors;

a mounting plate on each base anchor seated upon the vertical walls of the runner strip;

said base anchors connected to the end portions of said runner strip on opposite sides of the door opening thereof;

the mounting plate of each of said base anchors being provided with downwardly projecting flanges along opposite longitudinal edges, said flanges of the base anchor overhanging the said vertical side walls of the runner strip at opposite sides, thereby to locate the mounting plate of the base anchor for longitudinal adjustment of the base anchor along the runner strip;

respective clamping nuts slidably confined in said dovetail slideway, one for each of said base anchors;

clamping screws passing through said mounting plates of the base anchor and into threaded engagement with said clamping nuts, and clamping each base anchor permanently in adjusted position with respect to the runner strip, flanges projecting upwardly from both of said base anchors,

and attachment means securing the lower end portion of said vertical jambs to the upwardly projecting flanges of the base anchors after the upper ends of the jambs have been interconnected with the opposite ends of the header by said coacting elements, thereby to secure the sectional door frame permanently in erected position with respect to the door opening provided by the runner strip.

2. A base anchor structure securing the lower end portions of the vertical jambs of a sectional door frame relative to the floor of a building to delineate a door opening in a wall structure, said door frame being of sectional construction and having a horizontal header, a pair of vertical jambs, and coacting elements interconnecting the opposite ends of the header to the upper ends of the jambs, said base anchor structure comprising:

a runner strip secured to the floor of the building and delineating the wall to be erected, said runner strip being interrupted to provide a door opening corresponding generally to the location of the sectional door frame;

said runner strip being formed of sheet metal compris ing a longitudinal corrugation having a bottom plate and having side walls which converge upwardly toward one another and providing a dovetail slideway extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

said runner strip including vertical walls projecting upwardly above said dovetail section and extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

a pair of base anchors seated upon the vertical walls of the runner strip and shiftably connected to the end portions of said runner strip on opposite sides of the opening therein, whereby said base anchors may be adjusted longitudinally relative to the runner strip;

each of said base anchors being provided with downwardly projecting flanges along opposite longitudinal edges, said flanges of the base anchor overhanging the said vertical side walls of the runner strip at opposite sides, thereby to locate the mounting plate of the base anchor for longitudinal adjustment of the base anchor along the runner strip;

respective clamping nuts slidably confined in said dovetail slideway, one for each of said base anchors;

clamping screws passing through each base anchor and into threaded engagement with said clamping nut and clamping each base anchor permanently in adjusted position with respect to the runner strip, flanges pro jecting upwardly from both of said base anchors;

and attachment means securing the lower end portion of said vertical jambs to the upwardly projecting flanges of the base anchors after the upper ends of the jambs have been interconnected with the opposite ends of the header by said coacting elements thereby to secure the sectional door frame permanently in erected position with respect to the door opening provided by the runner strip.

3. A base anchor structure for securing the lower end portions of the vertical jambs of a door frame relative to the floor of a building to delineate an opening in a wall structure, said door frame being of sectional construction and having a horizontal header, a pair of vertical jambs, and coacting elements adapted to interconnect the opposite ends of the header to the upper ends of the jambs, said base anchor structure comprising:

a runner strip formed of sheet metal to provide a longitudinalcorrugation having a bottom plate and having side walls which converge upwardly toward one another to provide a dovetail slideway extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

said runner strip including vertical walls projecting upwardly above said dovetail section and extending longitudinally of the runner strip;

a base anchor connected to said runner strip;

said base anchor being provided with downwardly projecting flanges along opposite longitudinal edges, said flanges of the base anchor overhanging the said vertical side walls of the runner strip at opposite sides, thereby to locate the base anchor for longitudinal adjustment of the base anchor along the runner strip;

a clamping nut confined in said dovetail slideway;

a clamping screw passing through said base anchor and into threaded engagement With said clamping nut and clamping said base anchor permanently in adjusted position with respect to the runner strip, a flange projecting upwardly from said base anchor,

and attachment means securing a lower end portion of a vertical jamb to the upwardly projecting flange of the base anchor after the upper end of said jamb has been interconnected with the end of said header by said coacting elements, whereby a pair of said runner the sectional door frame permanently in erected position with respect to the runner strips.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Tofanelli 189-46 X Millard et al 189-36 X Kelly et a1. 52-213 Luss 20-19 X 15 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

KENNETH DOWNEY, Examiner. 

1. A BASE ANCHOR STRUCTURE SECURING THE LOWER END PORTIONS OF THE VERTICAL JAMBS OF A SECTIONAL DOOR FRAME RELATIVE TO THE FLOOR OF A BUILDING TO DELINEATE A DOOR OPENING IN A WALL STRUCTURE, SAID DOOR FRAME BEING OF SECTIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND HAVING A HORIZONTAL HEADER, A PAIR OF VERTICAL JAMBS, AND COACTING ELEMENTS INTERCONNECTING THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE HEADER TO THE UPPER ENDS OF THE JAMBS, SAID BASE ANCHOR STRUCTURE COMPRISING: A RUNNER STRIP SECURED TO THE FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AND DELINEATING THE WALL TO BE ERECTED, SAID RUNNER STRIP BEING INTERRUPTED TO PROVIDE A DOOR OPENING CORRESPONDING GENERALLY TO THE LOCATION OF THE SECTIONAL DOOR FRAME; SAID RUNNER STRIP BEING FORMED OF SHEET METAL TO PROVIDE A LONGITUDINAL CORRUGATION HAVING A BOTTOM PLATE AND HAVING SIDE WALLS WHICH CONVERGE UPWARDLY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER TO PROVIDE A DOVETAIL SLIDEWAY EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF THE RUNNER STRIP; SAID RUNNER STRIP INCLUDING VERTICAL WALLS PROJECTING UPWARDLY ABOVE SAID DOVETAIL SECTION AND EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF THE RUNNER STRIP; A PAIR OF BASE ANCHORS; A MOUNTING PLATE ON EACH BASE ANCHOR SEATED UPON THE VERTICAL WALLS OF THE RUNNER STRIP; SAID BASE ANCHORS CONNECTED TO THE END PORTIONS OF SAID RUNNER STRIP ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE DOOR OPENING I THEREOF; THE MOUNTING PLATE OF EACH OF SAID BASE ANCHORS BEING PROVIDED WITH DOWNWARDLY PROJECTING FLANGES ALONG OPPOSITE LONGITUDINAL EDGES, SAID FLANGES OF THE BASE ANCHOR OVERHANGING THE SAID VERTICAL SIDE WALLS OF THE RUNNER STRIP AT OPPOSITE SIDES, THEREBY TO LOCATE THE MOUNTING PLATE OF THE BASE ANCHOR FOR LONGITUDINAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE BASE ANCHOR ALONG THE RUNNER STRIP; RESPECTIVE CLAMPING NUTS SLIDABLY CONFINED IN SAID DOVETAIL SLIDEWAY, ONE FOR EACH OF SAID BASE ANCHORS; CLAMPING SCREWS PASSING THROUGH SAID MOUNTING PLATES OF THE BASE ANCHOR AND INTO THREADED ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CLAMPING NUTS, AND CLAMPING EACH BASE ANCHOR PERMANENTLY IN ADJUSTED POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE RUNNER STRIP, FLANGES PROJECTING UPWARDLY FROM BOTH OF SAID BASE ANCHORS, AND ATTACHMENT MEANS SECURING THE LOWER END PORTION OF SAID VERTICAL JAMBS TO THE UPWARDLY PROJECTING FLANGES OF THE BASE ANCHORS AFTER THE UPPER ENDS OF THE JAMBS HAVE BEEN INTERCONNECTED WITH THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE HEADER BY SAID COACTING ELEMENTS, THEREBY TO SECURE THE SECTIONAL DOOR FRAME PERMANENTLY IN ERECTED POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE DOOR OPENING PROVIDED BY THE RUNNER STRIP. 